Since its introduction in the mid 1970's, the dbx 160 series has been the world's most popular line of audio compressors. After the classic 160 (which is still used daily in many world class studios), came the 165, the 160X and the 160XT. The 160X/XT were the models that truly became the industry standard. Solid construction, fool proof operation, great sound, at-a-glance metering and a bulletproof output stage all contributed to its popularity with musicians, recording studios, consultants and installers, and broadcast media production people alike.
Extended information In updating the design to return manufacturing to the USA, dbx has chosen to maintain all the key characteristics that have made the 160X/XT the icon that it is. At the same time, DBX have improved the design.
The dbx 160A is the latest generation of the legendary dbx 160 family of compressor/limiters. The same classic sound, easy set-up and no compromise metering is now married to an improved signal path and stronger chassis design. The result is the new industry standard compressor/limiter which is digital-ready and road tough.
Featuring switch-selectable OverEasy« and Hard Knee compression curves along with extremely wide-ranging threshold, ratio and output controls, the dbx 160A is up to any task. True RMS level detection provides the most natural-sounding dynamics processing available, from subtle compression to ""brick wall"" peak limiting. Choose low ratios and OverEasy« compression to transparently smooth out fluctuating vocal and instrumental levels. Or use the 160A's Hard Knee compression and high ratios (up to and beyond :1 and over 60dB gain reduction) for bombproof protection against overload distortion in digital recording, P.A. systems and broadcast signals. The 160A is fully compatible with +4/-10dB and balanced/ unbalanced systems, and its electronically balanced output stage is an outstanding line driver for long cable runs (an output transformer is optional). The 19-segment, switchable input/ output LED metering can be calibrated to any operating level. 12-segment gain reduction LEDs provide precise analysis at a glance.
The dbx 160A's ""INFINITY +"" inverse-compression mode actually decreases the audio output level below unity gain when the input exceeds threshold, a real lifesaver for correcting overbearing vocal choruses and controlling runaway house mix levels. A detector input can be used with an equalizer for de-essing sibilant vocals and selectively smoothing out boomy notes on acoustic guitar and bass. And two 160As can be stereo-coupled to process an entire mix or instruments mic'd in stereo, without shifting the left/right image. Its musical sound, easy operation and unequaled versatility made the original dbx 160 a world standard. The 160A follows that tradition, while meeting the challenges of a digital world.
Technical specifications dbx 160A Specifications INPUT
Connector: 14"" TRS and XLR, Floating Balanced; XLR: Pin 2 hot,
Phone: Tip Hot.
Impedance: 40k.
Maximum Level: +24dBu, Balanced or Unbalanced (Absolute).
CMRR: >45dB (Any Frequency).
Detector Input: Connector: 14"" TRS phone, Floating Balanced.
Impedance: >200k.
Maximum Level: +28dBu, Balanced or Unbalanced.
Output: Connector: XLR, Floating Balanced; Pin 2 Hot.
Impedance: 30.
Maximum Level: (Balanced): +24dBm; <0.3% THD.
Maximum Level: (Unbalanced): +20dBm; <0.3% THD
Noise: <-90dBu, Unweighted (20Hz - 20kHz).
Frequency Response: 20Hz -20kHz, +0,
-0.5dB; +0, -3dB 0.5Hz and 90kHz.
THD: <0.2%, Typical, any amount of compression up to 40dB @ 1kHz.
OUTPUT
Connector: 14"" TRS phone, Unbalanced.
Impedance: 20.
Maximum Level: +24dBm.
COMPRESSION
Threshold Range: -40dBu to +20dBu.
Threshold Characteristic: OverEasy« or Hard Knee.
Compression Ratio: Variable 1:1 to :1 thru to -1:1; >60dB maximum compression.
Attack Time: Program dependent; typically 15ms for 10dB, 5ms for 20dB, 3ms for 30dB.
Release Time: Program Dependent; Typically 8ms for 1dB, 80ms for 10dB, 400ms for
50dB; 125dB/sec rate.
SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
Dynamic Range: >113dB.
Gain Adjustment Range: Variable from -20dB to +20dB.
Stereo Coupling: True RMS Power Summing
Summing: 14"" TRS phone jack.
HARDWARE
Power Cord: IEC-Type connector.
Operating Voltage: DO: 90-130VAC, 50/60Hz; EU: 200-250VAC, 50/60Hz.
Operating Temperature: 0—C to 45—C (32—F to 113—F).
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